How to Design Business Cards

Business cards are essential for networking, meetings, and so much more. They’re an excellent tool for getting you and your business recognized. When a potential customer asks about your business or services, all you must do is hand over your business card.

But effective business card design is another story. Creative and efficient design will intrigue customers and help them remember your business. If you’re in need of business card design tips, we can help.

Here is everything you need to know to design business cards for your small business.

Business Card Design Tips & Guidelines

Many factors go into designing a business card. Colors, sizing, content, and more. To create a design that helps represent your business, follow our tips on how to design a business card:

Business Card Size

Size is pretty standard for business cards, but there is most definitely some room for variation. The standard size for business cards in the US is generally 3.5 x 2 inches. There is also a standard “bleed area” that spans about 1/8 inch, which is used for design elements that go beyond your finished edges.

For proper business card design, you should stick to these parameters. Although, we do encourage you to challenge this sizing by incorporating rounded corners, unconventional shaping, and more. For example, a vertical business card is a great way to stand out.

Appropriate Color & Theme

Your color and overall theme will generally depend on your industry. Technical businesses like engineering firms would benefit from a professional design that utilizes minimal colorful aspects. On the other hand, a creative agency would greatly benefit from a multi-colored yet aesthetic design that showcases their creative ability.

Luxury brands can benefit from sleek, elegant colors like gold and silver, and could even utilize foil elements.

Card Content

When it comes to the actual content and text in business card design, you don’t want to overdo it. Too much text on a small space can be overwhelming. You only want to incorporate the necessary information that’s crucial for prospects. This will usually include your:

  • Company name
  • First and last name
  • Job title
  • Contact information

Your contact information may change depending on your industry. For example, a financial analyst will usually include phone and email, but a creative may showcase a portfolio site or social media handles if artwork is included on those.

Final Touches

When you design business cards, venture outside of the box. You want your business card to stand out to prospects and help them remember your business.

You can make your business card unforgettable by incorporating unique textured elements and special finishes.  Metallic inks, foils elements, and embossing techniques can guarantee your card is like no other. You can also utilize textured features like cutting into the card or creating raised texts.

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The best business card design tip we can give to you is to stay true to your band. Align your design to your brand, incorporate information vital to the customer, create a stand-out design, and you’re set. For expert business card printing services, reach out to United GMG today!